Private healthcare data will soon be recorded in the same way as NHS data in England.
That’s after the launch of the Acute Data Alignment Programme (ADAPt), which aims to integrate privately funded healthcare data into NHS systems.
It is hoped this will address concerns over the lack of visibility of quality in private care.
‘Earlier this year, I asked NHS Digital and PHIN to work together to ensure that we can see the same standards of transparency in the private sector as in the NHS,’ Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said.
‘The result has been the ADAPt programme, which will drive improvements in data collection and help patients and others understand more about the quality of care.
‘This will be an important, practical step in taking forward the safety agenda in the independent sector.’
Improving records
NHS Digital and the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) are jointly leading the ADAPt programme.
A public consultation on the scope and objectives will be launched later this year.
‘Integrating data from private suppliers into NHS systems will improve the completeness of records for patients whose care is split across private and NHS providers,’ Sarah Wilkinson, NHS digital chief executive, said.
‘This will improve safety, efficacy and convenience for these patients.
‘In addition it will provide insights into patient outcomes in the private sector and how they compare to the NHS.
‘These insights will help increase standards of care in both sectors’